Holiday Punch Recipe

Holiday Punch is my go-to party drink, perfect for Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, or Christmas celebrations! This bright and bubbly vodka punch is made with the season’s favorite flavors like cranberry, orange, apple cider, and ginger. It’s one of my very favorite drinks for the holidays, and after one sip, you’ll taste why!

A bowl filled with holiday punch garnished with oranges and cranberries.

Pin this recipe for later!

5-Star Review

“I made this as a trial run for Christmas. Since it was the kids and me testing it we made the non-alcoholic version. It was great. For Christmas I’m going to make two versions, one with, and one without. Thanks for a great idea.” – Edwina

Easy Holiday Punch Recipe

I love serving a fun party punch when we have people over for the holidays. It makes me so happy to see everyone gathering around the table with a festive drink in hand. This holiday version is a true crowd pleaser, loaded with sweet and tart flavors, a nice bubbly texture, and a little kick from the vodka.

But don’t worry if you’d rather skip the alcohol or if you’re missing an ingredient—there are plenty of ways to adjust it. I love giving options so everyone can enjoy a festive, delicious punch, whether you want it kid-friendly, alcohol-free, or just a little lighter on the sweetness. It’s the kind of drink that really brings everyone together and adds a little sparkle to any holiday celebration.

A bowl filled with oranges and cranberries.

Holiday Punch Recipe

This holiday punch recipe is one of our favorite Thanksgiving or Christmas drink recipes. It’s wonderfully flavorful, easy, and delicious. So if you’re on the hunt for the best Thanksgiving or Christmas punch recipe, look no further!

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

Servings

Calories 108kcal

Author Becky Hardin

Ingredients

32 oz. cranberry juice (1 large bottle) 100% pure cranberry juice, not cranberry cocktail
16 oz. orange juice (2 cups)
750 mL sparkling apple cider (1 bottle)
2 L ginger ale (1 large bottle)
8 oz. good quality vodka (1 cup)

Optional Garnishes

orange slices and fresh cranberries

Instructions

Pour all ingredients into a punch bowl and stir well to combine.

32 oz. cranberry juice, 16 oz. orange juice, 750 mL sparkling apple cider, 2 L ginger ale, 8 oz. good quality vodka, orange slices and fresh cranberries
Top with orange slices and fresh cranberries.
Pour over ice to serve. Enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

How to Make Holiday Punch Step by Step

A bowl filled with holiday punch, oranges, cranberries and ginger ale being poured in.

Make the punch: Start by pouring 32 oz. cranberry juice and 16 oz. of orange juice into a large punch bowl, creating the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

If serving right away, add a 2-liter bottle of ginger ale, 8 oz. of vodka, and a 750-ml bottle of sparkling apple cider for a little more sweetness and a nice bubbly fizz. Hold off on the apple cider if you are not serving right away.

Overhead image of holiday punch in a glass bowl with orange slices and cranberries

Throw some fresh orange slices and fresh cranberries (or sugared cranberries) into the punch bowl to dress it up for Christmas parties.

Overhead image of hand holding a glass of holiday punch over a punch bowl.

Serve the punch: Ladle servings over ice into glasses garnished with an orange wedge and zest. If you’re feeling spunky, add a bit more vodka.

Recipe Variations

Make it alcohol free: Omit the alcohol when stirring everything together.
Instead of sparkling apple cider: Use non-sparkling or apple juice. Note your punch will be missing the fizziness. Sparkling grape juice will work, but it will alter the taste.
Give it a tropical twist: Add 2 cups of pineapple juice.
Make it kid-friendly: Omit the alcohol and add lime or orange sorbet.
Instead of ginger ale: Use lime seltzer with ginger tea bags, or use ginger beer.
For a less sweet punch: Use sparkling wine instead of sparkling cider.
Fun glasses: Serve the punch in stemless wine glasses, mugs, or Mason jars.

How to Store

You can make this holiday punch recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When mixing ingredients, leave out the sparkling apple cider until the very last minute, or else it will fall flat. Right before serving, stir in cold sparkling cider—this ensures the bubbly zip will be there for your guests!

If you have any of this cranberry orange Christmas punch left over after your holiday party, store it in the fridge. I recommend pouring it into pitchers or containers with lids, or just covering the punch bowl with plastic wrap. Keep it for up to 3 days. It will lose its bubbly carbonation from the cider, but it will still taste the same.

Orange cranberry punch with ice and cranberries in a glass garnished with an orange wedge.

Serving Suggestions

This cranberry holiday punch pairs well with all of the best New Year’s Eve finger foods, Christmas and Thanksgiving appetizers. Cocktail meatballs are always a hit—they’re savory, juicy, and perfect for snacking. These cheeseball bites add a fun, cheesy twist that everyone can grab and enjoy. For something a little sweet and tangy, a batch of cranberry chicken wings never fails to impress. And to round out the spread, this orange cranberry cheese ball brings a festive touch.